“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” ~Jesus
Grace is a gift. God gives me grace when I am humble. There is no peace if I am proud …
Tag Archives: Good News
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” ~Apostle John
Love isn’t about me. Love is about God and Jesus. I don’t know the first thing about love. Anything I …
Opposition to Jesus — Criticism of His Choice of Company
Jesus get’s constantly criticized by the religious elite of His day. They didn’t like who Jesus was hanging out …
Forgiveness — Jesus the Messiah’s Ministry of Forgiveness was Foretold
I need forgiveness. I have missed God’s goal for my life (aka sin). I am guilty. God forgives me. Now …
“Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.” ~Jesus
I am called to be faithful and trustworthy. I am challenged by this some days. When I think about it and …
I have life! You have life! It won’t ever end. It will go on and on and on. Trillions and trillions of years.
Am I proud of Jesus and His message? Interesting question to consider. Yes, I am. Am I so proud that …
“Before you know it, his justice will triumph; the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers.” ~Isaiah about Jesus
I need to find more hope. God is good and in a good mood. Justice, while lacking here some days, will be done. …
“Then there’s only one thing left to do: Sell everything you own and give it away to the poor. You will have riches in heaven. Then come, follow me.” ~Jesus
Where is my treasure? What is important to me? Is Jesus my Master? Jesus told us to “store up for …
Pretense — God’s People Must rid Themselves of Pretense
Pretense is the purposeful deception of others by myself, usually for the sake of my own interest, safety or pride. …
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life.” ~Jesus
There are a lot of details to life. What to eat. What to wear. Which way to drive to work. …
“Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.” ~King David
Now here is some good news. God is going to take care of me. My job is to love God. …
Lamb — Jesus the Messiah is Likened to a Lamb
I don’t get it. What is the big deal about Jesus being the lamb of God? They are cute and …
“Do you understand what you are reading?” ~Philip
I need wisdom. I need understanding. Wisdom and understanding is a God-given perception. God’s goal for me is to be wise …
“The world is against me because I expose the evil behind its pretensions.” ~Jesus
Jesus stands firm against evil. Jesus challenges me to do the same. As God’s child, I walk according to this …
Denial of Jesus — The Jewish People Rejected Jesus
Denial is the making of a conscious, informed decision not to accept Jesus as the Messiah or his claims and …
“Keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.” ~Apostle Peter
The Holy Spirit brings joy to believers, giving us an inner contentment and happiness which is not dependent upon external …
Baptism — Jesus sets the Example and how it all Started
I came to Jesus and decided to follow Him at the age of 12. I was immediately baptized in water. …
“This has to be the Son of God!” ~Roman Captain at the Crucifixion
A crucifixion is a most painful, cruel and protracted form of execution which involved the victim being roped or nailed …
Does Jesus really mean what He is saying? Am I “buying it” at all? Is there good news?
I know what Jesus is saying. I say “is” in the present tense. I hear Him. The questions are these: …
“Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” ~Disciples to Jesus
How important is rest? God needed it and got it. Jesus needed it and got it. Even in the middle of a …
Hell — The reality of hell should affect the way people live. — The importance of making the right choice.
Can I choose not to go to hell? The punishment of the wicked in hell is as never ending as the …
Kindness — It’s Demonstrated in the Good News of Jesus the Messiah
I desperately need more kindness and compassion in my life. I need to judge less and love more. That is …
“Woe to you … ” ~Jesus
Jesus is upset. Jesus is upset with the elite religious leaders of the day. Jesus hasn’t gotten over it. I …
Mercifulness — God Shows it to us as He is Merciful
Mercifulness is an attitude of compassion and care, grounded in the nature of God himself, made manifest in the life …
“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” ~Jesus the Messiah
Is there Good News? There is good news. The Word of God and Jesus offers an understanding of the source, character, …
“Happy are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” ~Jesus
The Jesus Manifesto continues. It may seem strange that Jesus should pass from peacemaking to persecution, from the work of reconciliation …
“It is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” ~Jesus
According to the Bible, though, hell is just as real as heaven. The Bible clearly and explicitly teaches that hell …
Justice — A Quality Displayed in Jesus the Messiah’s Life
Justice is a term used for what is right or “as it should be.” Justice is one of God’s attributes …
“Work for the food that sticks with you, food that nourishes your lasting life, food the Son of Man provides.” ~Jesus
Jesus is going to declare something. It is going to be bold. It is being set up by this conversation. …
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” ~Jesus
Jesus is about to wrap His Manifesto. There is one final parable to lay it all out. There is a contrast …
Love — God’s Love for the World
God’s love for humanity. There is good news in that the Word of God and Jesus offers an understanding of the …
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” ~Jesus
God is God. No one else is. God alone is in control. God is Great and God is Good. I …
“Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and — good-bye, friend!” ~King Solomon
Friendship is an amazing experience. It also can be a fragile relationship. Am I looking at the good in my …
Faithfulness — It is Seen to God as Marital Fidelity
Faithfulness is the proper response to God by his covenant people; seen in a steadfast commitment which reflects God’s own …
I am a Devoted Slave of Jesus, the Messiah
My role is one of a slave. I am a devoted slave of Jesus, the Messiah. Really? Yes, a slave. …
“And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” ~Author of Hebrews
I want to please God, my heavenly Father. That is my heart’s desire. It takes sacrifice on my part. It …
Obedience — It is Demanded of God’s People
I know. Obeying runs against the grain of what I want to do. Jesus demands that I am an obedient …
“A slave of the Messiah Jesus …” ~Apostle Paul
How did Paul see himself? Paul saw himself as a slave of Jesus. This is not a fluke. Paul also …
“You are masters at making yourselves look good in front of others, but God knows what’s behind the appearance.” ~Jesus
Am I a master at making myself look good? What Jesus has to say to the religious elites (aka Pharisees) …
Joy — Deliverance sets it off
I want the joy of the Lord. I want to be more than happy. I want to celebrate God’s victory …
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude.” ~Apostle Paul
God is good — We see it in his work of creation I have good news. God is God and perfect. …
Peace — We Find it in the Teachings of Jesus the Messiah
The Apostle Paul alerts me that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, …
“Bravo, God, bravo!” ~King David
Where is my enthusiasm for God and His marvelous works? Why don’t I shout it out? Do I long for …
“Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” ~Apostle Paul
Am I wrong to hope? Now this is amazing. I am not disappointed when I hope. In my hope, I …
Meekness — God’s Promises to the Meek is Good News
God’s promises to the meek is good news! Humility is the name of the game. Jesus challenges me to be …
“Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; God probes for what is good.” ~King Solomon
God acts from the highest, purest motives. God expects me to do the same. Humans are satisfied with whatever looks …
Love — It Comes from the Holy Spirit. It is a Gift and it is a Fruit.
Where does love come from? Love comes from the Holy Spirit. It is a gift. It is fruit that grows …
“Why this gossipy whispering?” ~Jesus
Jesus decides to return to His hometown. When He got there, some men carried a paraplegic on a stretcher and …
“This is a wonderful time, and we had to celebrate. This brother of yours was dead, and he’s alive!” ~Jesus
There is good news, for all of us. Jesus has a heart for the lost and those who have missed …
Faithfulness — The Proper Response to God by His Covenant People
Faithfulness is the proper response to God by his covenant people. It is seen in a steadfast commitment which reflects …
25 Questions that Jesus Asks in the Good News According to Mark
Jesus Questions Jesus has some questions for me. I need to answer them and not ignore Him. It is stunning …
Sanctification — It is the Work of the Holy Spirit
I avoid some things because they sound very geeky and smack of theology. Jesus talks about sanctification. Maybe I need …
Hope — It Can be Placed in God in the Face of Difficulty or Trial
I need to find more hope. God is good and in a good mood. Justice, while lacking here some days, will be done. …
Children of God — We Become God’s Children by Adoption
This is stunning. As disciples of Jesus, we are the chief objects of God’s fatherly love. I become God’s child …
God’s Goal — To Live with His People
God has goals in mind. He will accomplish them. When I miss God’s goal, that is known as sin. I …
“A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.” ~King Solomon
I have seen it way too often. Something that starts simple escalates. It turns into all out war. My drive …
Peace — These Prophecies of Peace are Fulfilled in the Coming of Jesus the Messiah
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there …
Joy — Disciples Have it Even in the Face of Opposition
Do disciples have joy even in the face of opposition? Absolutely we do. Jesus is kind and thoughtful. I know …
Rest — Even Jesus needed it (and got it)
How important is rest? God needed it and got it. Jesus needed it and got it. I need it as …
“Happy are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” ~Jesus
I want mercy in my life. Compassion is a wonderful gift from God. I am challenged by Jesus to replicate …
Patience — Jesus Patience with God’s Timing of Events
Jesus the Messiah’s life was lived under the shadow of the cross. He was concerned that people should understand his …
Slave — Am I a Slave or a Servant? Does it Matter?
“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave (dŏulŏs) above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become …
Love — The Love of God is Revealed in the Cross of Jesus the Messiah
Jesus demonstrated His love for me by dying on the cross so that I can be reconciled to God the …
Hell — Temptations to Miss God’s Goal (aka sin) Must be Dealt with Drastically
Do you believe in hell? It is interesting that a much higher percentage of people believe in the existence of …
“Some [of the disciples], though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.” ~Apostle Matthew
Am I a doubter? If I am honest, yes, there are times I doubt. So did some of the 11 …
Mary and Joseph, the Parents of Jesus — Too Poor for a Sheep
Jesus is born. We all know the story. Apparently Mary and Joseph couldn’t afford a sheep for the sacrifice. As …
I Wait and I Wait. The Longer This Waiting Goes On, the Deeper the Ache.
Over the years I have been fortunate to develop some really good friends in my journey with Jesus. I thank God …
“Is that any of our business, Mother—yours or mine? This isn’t my time. Don’t push me.” ~Jesus
Mothers, you have to love them. They want us to do something. We might as well do it. Jesus understood …
God is Good — We see it in His Work of Creation!
All God’s perfect qualities are made freely available to all for the benefit of the whole world. God is good. …
False Doctrine — Is it of human origin and not from Jesus the Messiah?
Jesus, the Son of God, is the Messiah. God sent him to live among us, die for our missing God’s …
Meekness — Required by God
Jesus is clear that I will be more than happy if I am meek and gentle. I will in fact …
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” ~Jesus
Did God abandon Jesus? It is a stunning question. From noon to three, the whole earth was dark. Around midafternoon …
Faithfulness — Is seen as steadfast commitment to God in unwavering devotion
Faithfulness is the proper response to God by his covenant people; seen in a steadfast commitment which reflects God’s own …
44 Questions that Jesus Asks in the Good News According to Matthew
It is stunning how skillfully our Master Jesus, the Messiah, uses questions (read more here) to teach vital spiritual truths. …
“Happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” ~Jesus
Jesus continues with His radical Manifesto. We all know what it is like to be hungry or thirsty. We can’t …
Hope — I can hope based on scripture as the word of God
I need to find more hope. God is good and in a good mood. Justice, while lacking here some days, …
“We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish.” ~Apostle John
John saw it with his own eyes. Imagine that. John was there for the transfiguration. John saw the glory of …
“The gossip of bad people gets them in trouble; the conversation of good people keeps them out of it.” ~King Solomon
Oh no! Here we go. If I could just keep quiet. If I could just control my tongue. I love …
Peace — Through the Father’s provision for the believer
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there …
Rest — The absence of anxiety
We all need rest. It is essential. I am anxious about so many things. Anxiety is insidious. There is no …
Gentleness — In showing consideration to all
Gentleness is an expression of compassion, seen in God’s dealings with the frail and weak, and expected of believers in …
Love — God’s very character is love
Who is God? Who is God? How do I describe Him to others? Where would I start? Here is a …
Joy — It becomes real in our relationships
Joy is experienced naturally in many circumstances of my life in Jesus and most importantly in relationships I have with …
Contempt – Issues of doctrinal differences of opinion
Am I a member of the “doctrine police” constantly issuing heretic alerts? That is a good question to ask. Why? …
God is good — God demonstrates His goodness in His actions!
God not only is good but more importantly, God does good. God acts on His goodness and demonstrates it to …
“Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.” ~King David
This translation is from The Message. We all recognize Psalm 23. The traditional translation of verse 6 is “Surely goodness and …
Hypocrisy — Where does it come from?
Jesus is clear. Jesus hates hypocrites. Jesus calls it out all the time. My contempt allows me to ignore its …
“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” ~Jesus
The backdrop to this is the feeding of the five thousand. It is a truly stunning miracle. Jesus was moved …
“Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.” ~Jesus
Jesus warns us in Matthew 7 where we hear Him say “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s …
False Doctrine — It contradicts the good news of Jesus the Messiah
Jesus, the Son of God, is the Messiah. God sent him to live among us, die for our missing God’s …
“Who touched my robe?” ~Jesus
Am I thinking, if I can just touch Jesus, He will heal me? It is a good question. Sometimes I …
“And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” ~Luke (Acts 13:52)
Am I happy? Do you see my joy? Or am I just a grumpy old man most days? In Acts …
“Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle.” ~King David
Who is the King of Glory? King David is a warrior King. He spent much of his life fighting to …
Faithfulness — Encouragement to be trustworthy
I am called to be faithful and trustworthy. I am challenged by this some days. When I think about it …
“The one who listens to you, listens to me. The one who rejects you, rejects me. And rejecting me is the same as rejecting God, who sent me.” ~Jesus
What am I to do? It all starts with listening. From there, as a follower of Jesus, I am to …
“Peace to you.” ~Jesus
Did you lock the doors? That was the compelling question the morning Jesus rose from the dead in an incorruptible …
“Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.” ~Jesus
There have been way too many times I have ignored getting some rest. I worked too many days in a …
Kindness — The kindness of Jesus the Messiah
I desperately need more kindness and compassion in my life. I need to judge less and love more. That is …
Peace — It is established in a believer’s relationship with the Father and Jesus
There are times I am clearly not at peace. I am not at peace with myself and I am not …
“Peace be with you!” ~Jesus
Here we are. It is “Resurrection Sunday”. I’m celebrating the resurrection of Jesus not bunnies and chocolate candy. That’s just …
